Busselton - East

Population growth drivers in Busselton - East are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Busselton - East's population is approximately 10,324. This figure represents an increase of 965 people from the 2021 Census total of 9,359, indicating a growth rate of 10.3%. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 10,029 as of June 2024 and an additional 448 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 126 persons per square kilometer. Busselton - East's growth rate exceeded the national average of 8.9% between the 2021 Census and Nov 2025, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 35.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for Busselton - East are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and for areas not covered by this data, growth rates by age cohort from the ABS' Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are used. Demographic trends suggest an above median population growth for locations outside capital cities, with Busselton - East projected to grow by 1,755 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 14.1% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Busselton - East among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Busselton - East has received approximately 115 dwelling approvals per year. From FY21 to FY25, a total of 576 homes were approved, with an additional 32 approved in FY26 so far. On average, each new home attracts around 1.4 new residents annually over the past five financial years.

The market demonstrates a balanced supply and demand condition, supporting stable conditions. New homes are constructed at an average value of $375,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. In FY26, commercial approvals totaled $40.7 million, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of WA, Busselton - East has 12.0% less building activity per person but ranks in the 92nd percentile nationally for construction activity, indicating strong developer confidence.

Recent construction consists of 99.0% detached dwellings and 1.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. With approximately 69 people per approval, Busselton - East reflects an area experiencing development growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain 1,458 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Busselton - East has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 20 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include Busselton Health Campus Expansion, Home HQ Busselton, City of Busselton Local Planning Scheme No. 22, and Brown Street Busselton. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch analysis places Busselton - East well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Busselton - East has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.9% as of September 2025, which is 0.3% lower than the Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.4%. As of September 2025, there were 5,385 residents in work and workforce participation was similar to Rest of WA's 59.4%. The majority of employed residents worked in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with a notable concentration in the latter at 1.6 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 2.6% of local workers compared to Rest of WA's 9.3%.

The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.6, indicating above-average employment opportunities locally. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 6.4% while labour force grew by 5.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.4%, labour force growth of 1.2%, and a fall in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Busselton - East's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Busselton - East SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $49,188 and an average of $64,961. These figures align with national averages, while Rest of WA stands at $57,323 and $71,163 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $56,173 and average is $74,185 as of September 2025. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Busselton - East, between the 26th and 31st percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 29.5% of residents (3,045 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, mirroring regional patterns where 31.1% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 25th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Busselton - East is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Busselton - East, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.7% houses and 10.3% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is comparable to Non-Metro WA's composition of 89.8% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Busselton - East was at 37.4%, similar to Non-Metro WA's level, with the remaining properties either mortgaged (35.2%) or rented (27.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro WA's average, while the median weekly rent figure stood at $360, matching Non-Metro WA's figures of $1,733 and $360 respectively. Nationally, Busselton - East's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, recorded as of a specific date, while rents were less than the national figure of $375 for the same period.

Busselton - East has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households compose 71.3% of all households, including 25.2% couples with children, 34.6% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for 28.7%, with lone person households at 25.9% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, lower than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Busselton - East fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 30.2%. Educational participation is high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.6% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows 58 active stops operating within Busselton - East, served by a mix of buses. These are serviced by 4 routes, providing 341 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1077 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 48 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Busselton - East is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Busselton - East faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~5,358 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.6% and 9.3% of residents respectively. 65.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.5% across Rest of WA. As of 21 June 2021, 21.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,188 people), which is higher than the 20.0% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Busselton - East ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Busselton-East, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 78.5% of residents born in Australia, 87.9% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English at home. Christianity dominated at 46.2%. Islam, though small at 1.0%, was higher than the regional average of 0.4%.

Top ancestry groups were English (36.1%), Australian (28.2%), and Scottish (8.0%). Notable ethnic group divergences included South African (0.7% vs 0.6%), Dutch (1.6% vs 1.7%), and New Zealand (0.8% vs 1.0%).

Busselton - East hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Busselton - East's median age is 45 years, significantly higher than the Rest of WA average of 40 years, and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 45-54 are particularly prominent, making up 14.2% of the population, while the 5-14 age group is comparatively smaller at 11.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.0% to 11.7%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has increased from 11.2% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group has declined from 14.4% to 12.1%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 12.6% to 11.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Busselton - East, with the 25 to 34 cohort projected to grow by 51%, adding 612 residents to reach a total of 1,822. In contrast, population declines are projected for those aged 85 and above, and the 15-24 age group.